4 bedroom house

Bowden Farm Cottage sits in a fabulous rural location on the very outskirts of the award winning and picturesque village of Berrynarbor in the stunning Sterridge Valley which is part of the area of outstanding natural beauty. The delightful characterful Grade 2 listed cottage is beautifully presented throughout and is packed full of period features and charm and has spacious and much improved accommodation throughout which is versatile in its use. The property sits in its own enclosed and private gardens and grounds which amount to 3.29 acres (1.33 hectares) and includes a large paddock which is divided into three fenced areas and which is perfect for horses, sheep, goats, chickens and other small animals. There is a large 40ft x 30ft barn/stores which could be used for a variety of purposes including as stabling for animals, garaging and storage. As well as the large barn, there is also further useful wooden outbuildings and sheds and a log store. The property is ideal for those looking for rural living and a slice of the 'good life' with opportunity to keep animals or to grow vegetables or run as a smallholding if required. Alternatively, the cottage does simply provide a superb place to live and enjoy and relax away from busy urban life. There are breath-taking rural views in all directions and there is plenty of sunlight throughout the day including some spectacular sunsets throughout the year. Properties of this type seldom come to the market and this sale represents a truly rare opportunity.

The cottage is one of a pair of properties converted from a former Devon Longhouse. The original building is thought to date back to the sixteenth century and is of particular historical importance. We understand that Bishop Jewell, who later went on to become the Bishop of Salisbury, was reported to have been born here and lived in the property in 1522. The only neighbour is the property that the cottage is attached to but the orientation of the respective cottages allows each to retain their own privacy and independence. The outstanding rural location provides real peace and quiet and is away from any road noise and light pollution.

Berrynarbor is an attractive Olde Worlde picture post card village and has won several awards over the years for the "Best Kept Village" from Britain in Bloom and every spring and summer the village is awash with colour with attractive hanging baskets and neat and well-kept gardens throughout. The amenities include a primary school with an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating, two public houses serving food, a community post office/general stores and a church. The village also has a thriving community with many local clubs and associations to suit a variety of different interests.

The coast is just a short distance away, only about 2 miles from the property, and there is plenty of nearby walking along miles of meandering footpaths which enjoy the best of North Devon's spectacular countryside and coastline. There is a bus service which comes into the village and has links to neighbouring towns and villages including Barnstaple, which is North Devon's main trading centre and is approximately 14 miles away and has many of the big name shops, a rail link to Exeter which then allows a direct route to major Stations within London. Barnstaple also has direct access onto the A361 North Devon Link Road which joins the M5 at junction 27 (Tiverton).

The cottage is beautifully presented throughout and has oil fired central heating and double glazed windows and doors. There is an area of the property that could be utilised as a small annexe/guest wing and which comprises of a spacious kitchenette and dining/living area, a double sized bedroom and a shower room with a modern white suite and large walk-in shower. This area of the property can be closed off from the main part of the house and is ideal for an older or dependent relative or teenage children to have their own independent space. Alternatively this area could be used as a seasonal Airbnb.

Moving through the cottage, there is a delightful country kitchen which is fitted and equipped with an array of base and wall units and includes a deep recess which houses an electric Aga (available by separate negotiation). There is a further range style cooker, a fridge and freezer, wine cooler and plumbing under the counter for a dishwasher. Leading from the kitchen is the very spacious yet cosy 19ft x 19ft lounge which has an abundance of character and charm. An imposing fireplace with a wood burner set on a slate hearth provides a focal point to the room and there is a shelved recess and cupboard to one side. The inner lobby has the stairs to the first floor with useful storage under and there is a separate and very handy laundry/boot room which has plumbing for a washing machine and space for a tumble dryer, and a door out onto the gardens.

Moving to first floor, there are three generously sized bedrooms, all of which enjoy delightful and far reaching views, with two of them having built-in wardrobes. The family bathroom is beautifully appointed and fitted with a modern white suite with fitted furniture and includes a shower over the bath.

Outside, Bowden Farm Cottage really is off the beaten track and is accessed from a shared lane, no through lane. The properties own land is accessed via a five-bar gate and private driveway which leads down to a parking and turning area for several vehicles and adjacent to the large barn. The large barn has a variety of uses and offers a great deal of useful space and measures approximately 40ft x 30ft. Part of the barn has a concrete base and there is light and power and two potential loose boxes which would be ideal for any horses or small animals being kept. At present, the barn is used primarily for storage and garaging. Immediately to the rear of the barn is a lean-to style log store. There are 16 solar PV panels located on the top of the barn roof and which provides a 4 kw system and a feed in tariff to the National Grid. The panels supplement the domestic electricity supply and typically returns around £750 - £850 per annum from the feed in tariff. Across from the barn and two recently erected wooden outbuildings. One is a store shed/work room with a water supply, the other is an open fronted machinery and tool store.

From the parking area, steps meander up through the formal gardens which surround the cottage. The gardens are mainly laid to lawn but interspersed with a wide variety of colourful and flowering plants, trees, shrubs and bushes. There are different zones within the gardens each providing their own sitting areas and spaces to enjoy and admire the stunning surroundings and rural views. There are areas perfect for al-fresco dining and barbecues or simply sitting out and enjoying the great outdoors.

The paddock sits below the private drive and parking area and extends down and away from the house and amounts to approximately 2.71 acres (1.1 hectares). The paddock has three stock proofed areas with al three having a water supply via galvanised sinks. The paddocks are considered ideal for horses, sheep, goats, chickens and other small animals. Alternatively it could be used for vegetable production.

Bowden Farm Cottage truly is a fantastic property in a stunning rural location and represents a rare and rather unique opportunity. We fully advise an early internal inspection to fully appreciate the full splendour of the location and excellent facilities on offer.

SERVICES:
The property benefits from mains electricity which is supplemented via the 4kw solar PV panels. There is a private water supply which derives from a spring and which feeds a recently renewed 7,000 litre holding tank. The water supply is shared with the neighbouring property and has always provided a more than ample supply. There is private drainage, again shared with the neighbour, into a recently installed septic tank. There is also an oil supply.
Applicants are advised to proceed from our offices in an easterly direction along the High Street towards Combe Martin. Take the A399 through Hele Bay and follow the road for approximately 3 miles passing Watermouth Castle before turning right into Berrynarbor opposite the Saw Mills Public House. Follow the road towards the village centre passing Mill Park Caravan Site and turn first right sign post Sterridge Valley. Continue to follow the road passing Berrynarbor Park and on into the Sterridge Valley. Follow the road for approximately 3/4 mile passing Higher Rows Farm and The Cedars (bungalow). Shortly after bear off to the left into a small lane sign posted Bowden Farm Cottage and follow this track as it winds along the Valley. At the split in the lane take the right hand fork down and continue to follow the lane as it climbs back up and around a sharp right hand bend. Continue up the hill and around to the left where there is a small sign that says 'Bowden Farm Cottage’ with the entrance via a 5 bar gate onto the property’s private drive. Proceed through the gate and down to the parking area.

Marketed by: Fine & Country, Ilfracombe